SEVERAL locals have recently reported malicious phone calls claiming to be from the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecution, stating that the homeowner is being sued by the Australian Tax Office.
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“We’ve had several calls over the last few days. It appears to be a scam,” Sergeant Warrick Laing said.
“Obviously we'd advise people not to give any personal details or information to these people when they ring.”
The ATO is aware of a number of phone and email scams, and advises the public to be wary of unsolicited and aggressive calls. Locals who are unsure of the veracity of a tax office related phone call are advised to call the ATO on 1800 008 540.
Sergeant Laing said, although the calls appear to be coming from Sydney, the scammers are usually based overseas, and therefore out of the jurisdiction of local police.
“Its a matter we've referred several people to an organisation called Scamwatch,” he said. Scamwatch is an organisation run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which tracks, targets and provides information on possible scams. To report a phone call to Scamwatch, call 1300 795 995.
